Metal partition



Filed June 30, 1954 3 sheets-sheet 1 E. LARso-N METAL PARTITION Jam.. m,wm

' Filed Jun 50, 1954 www@ 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jan. 14, 1936. E, LARSQN2,027,870

METAL PARTITION Filed Jlvln 50, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 af Eri@ Lez/150m.

Patented Jan. 14, 1936 UNHTED STATES eATENr OFFICE 20 llaims.

My invention relates to improvements in metal partitions.

An important object of my invention is to provide a metal partitionwhich is sound-proof to a considerable extent.

A further object of the invention is to provide a metal partition soconstructed that it may be quickly and conveniently wired.

A further object of the invention is to provide a metal partition formedin units which may be quickly and conveniently assembled and separated.

A further object .of the invention is to provide a metal partition whichis neat and attractive in appearance.

A further object of the invention is to provide adjustable means forregulating the elevation of the post unit or units, to properly levelthe partition.

A further object of the invention is to provide simple and strong anchormeans for securing the post unit to the floor.

A further object oi the invention is to provide detachable means forsecurely locking the cornice to the post units.

A further object of the invention is to provide simple and reliablemeans for connecting the cornice sections in such a manner that theconnecting means is concealed from exterior view.

A further object of the invention is to provide adjustable means betweenthe partition and the adjacent wall, to form a joint which will excludelight.

A further object of the invention is to provide clips for insertionbetween. the posts of the post unit, which clips serve to hold the coverstrips in position.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent duringthe course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part v (Cl. 18S-34) Figure '7 isa similar view taken on line 'l-l of Figure 1,

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the cornice,

Figure 9 is a detailed section taken on line 9-9 of Figure 1,

Figure 10 is a transverse section taken on line lil-lil of Figure 11, K

Figure 11 is a plan View of the cornice, parts broken away,

Figure 12 is an end elevation of the chair rail,

Figure 13 is a transverse section taken on line l--l of Figure 12,

Figure 14 is a perspective view of one end of the chair rail, and,

Figure 15 is' a side elevation of a locking plate.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown apreferred embodiment of my invention, the numerals 20 and 20 designatepost units, each of which comprises a pair 20 of spaced uprights orposts 2 I, preferably in the form of channels. Each channel-postincludes oppositely arranged sides 23, provided at their ends within-turned'langes 24, as shown. Each channel-post further comprises aside or bottom 25 25, and this side has its material at its centrallongitudinal axis bent inwardly for affording a groove 26.

Adapted for use with each post unit 2U and 2t is an anchor 2l, having acentrally arranged slot 28 for receiving lag screws or bolts for rigidlyattaching this anchor to the floor. -The anchor 2l `has vertical ears orextensions 29, at the corners thereof and also has horizontal extensions3@ between these ears. The numeral 3l designates a base shim, one ormore of which may be used in connection with the anchor and the postunit, to adjust the elevation of the post unit, to properly level thepartition. Each base shim 3l is in the form of a flat plate having alarge central opening 32 so that access may be had to the slot 28 andthe base shim is provided with notches 33, near its corners, to receivethe vertical ears 29. In assembling the partition, the anchors 21 areIirst rigidly secured to the floor. The level of the floor isascertained and the anchor, which is arranged at the high part of thefloor, has no base shim applied thereto, but the anchor which is arrranged at a lower point in the floor receives thereon one or more baseshims 3|, as may be required, to bring the upper surface of the baseshim or shims up to a proper elevation. The

base shims 3| are yarranged upon the central W portion of the anchor 2l,the ears 29 extending L through the notches 33, and the opposite ends ofthe base shim extending outwardly beyond the ears 29. When the posts 2|in the post unit are positioned on the anchor, the ears 29 engage theinner faces of the sides 23 and these ears also engage between the anges24 and the sides 25. Since the base shim 3| projects longitudinallybeyond the ends of the extensions 35, the inner portions of the sides 23and the flanges 24 will rest upon the ends or corner portions of thebase shim and be suitably supported thereby. It is thus seen that theanchor, with or without the base shim or shims, serves as means topositively hold the lower ends of the posts 2|, in each unit, in place,and the shim or shims are mounted `upon the anchor, to properly adjustthe elevation of any post unit.

The numeral 34 designates an end ll panel as a whole, comprising spacedsides 35, which are bent at their inner edges to provide lateralextensions 36 disposed at a right angle to such sides 35, and theseextensions carry flanges 31, extending longitudinally of the sides 35.The extensions 35 are adapted for insertion within the groove 25 of theadjacent post 2 and screws 38 pass through openings in the bottom wallof the groove and extend between the flanges 3l', and havescrew-threaded engagement with clamp-plates 39, disposed at intervalsalong the extensions 5S. The sides 35 are preferably attached to theadjacent post 2| at the factory. The end ll panel 34 has associatedtherewith a horizontally adjustable wall-post 40, including an outerchannel member 4| and an inner channel member 42, the bases of thesechannel members contacting and being rigidly secured together by weldingor the like, and these bases have openings 43 formed therein to receivebolts, screws, or the like, to attach the wall-post to the adjacentplastered wall. The outer channel member has inwardly directed flanges44, and the sides 35 have a sliding fit between the flanges 44 and theinner channel member 42. At its corners, the outer channel member 4| hasits material bent to provide sharp projections 45 which are V-shaped inhorizontal cross-section and afford a groove 46 between them forreceiving a compressible packing strip 4l of felt, sponge rubber or thelike. The adjacent post 2|, wall-post 45 and wall-ll panel 34 preferablycome assembled for afording a wall-fill panel unit A. The wall-post 45(when the unit A is being placed in position) is rst separated from thepanel 34 and applied to the wall, such as a plastered wall, and thesharp projections 45 may be driven into the plaster and the compressiblestrip 4l will produce a tight joint with the wall, preventing thepassage of light. The wall-post 4E! is held in place upon the wall byscrews or the like passing through the openings 43. The end ll panel 34now has its sides 35 inserted between the anges 44 and the inner channelmember 32, and as these parts slidably engage, the end fill panel andits post 2| may be suitably horizontally adjusted so that the post, canbe brought into proper position upon the anchor 2, as explained.

The panel section B comprises the two adjacent inner posts 2| of thepost units. Arranged between these posts 2| and rigidly connecting themis a horizontal base rail 48, a horizontal chair rail 6:9, a horizontaltransom rail 55 and a horizontal cornice rail 5l. The chair rail L19,see Figures l, 5, 12, 13, 14, is hollow and embodies spaced sides 52.which are bent inwardly at their upper and lower edges, to providetapered edge portions 53, having longitudinal grooves 55. The chair railfurther embodies end elements 55, which are slid into the ends of thehollow chair rail and engage stops 55. These ends may or may not bewelded in place, as desired. rYue ends 55 carry outwardly projectingtongues 5l', which extend into the grooves 25 of the posts 2i. The ends55 are provided with large openings 53, for receiving a pipe or tube 59.The ends of this tube 59 extend into the post 2! and are threaded forreceiving nuts G5, which engage U-shaped cleats 6|, arranged as shown.It is thus seen that the pipe or tube with the nuts and associatedelements will rigidly connect the posts 2| and the chair rail 59. Thebase rail L33 has its upper end tapered and this tapered end is providedwith a horizontal groove 52, while its lower end 63 is flat. This baserail is also hollow, and is substantially the same construction as thechair rail, having ends 55', corresponding to the ends 55, and tongues5l to enter the grooves in the posts 2|. The same tube 59 and associatedelements is employed, extending through the base rail 48 and connectingthe posts 2| with this base rail. The function of the pipes or tubes 55is to provide an unobstructed passage through which wires for lighting,telephones or the like may be readily guided and passed. Greatdifliculty has heretofore been experienced in wiring metal partitionslof any considerable length. The tubes or pipes 59 eliminate all of thistrouble as the wire may be readily threaded through the tube or pipe. Inconnection with the base rail 48, a channel-shaped adjustable mop strip64 is provided which may be lowered to properly contact with the oor. Apanel E5 is arranged between the chair rail 49 and the base rail 48, theupper and lower edges of this panel being held within the grooves 54 and62, while its vertical edges are held within the grooves of the posts2|. The transom rail 55 tapers toward its upper and lower edges toprovide a wall or shoulder 5E. This rail is hollow and is ofsubstantially the same construction as the rail 49, having ends 55corresponding to the end 55, and the ends 5B have outwardly projectingtongues 51' to enter the grooves in the posts 2|.

The ends 55 have openings formed therein to i receive a rod 58 whichpasses through openings formed in the posts 2| to project therein andcarrying nuts on its screw-threaded ends. This rod serves to clamp theposts 2| upon the transom rail 55. The cornice rail 5| is ofsubstantially the same construction as the transom rail 55 and isconnected with the posts 2| in the same manner by the tongue and grooveconnections and by the rod 555. The cornice rail 5l tapers downwardlyand has a horizontal groove 59. The transom rail 5:2 is provided with adetachable cover plate or cap 55, secured thereto by screws 'il or thelike. This cap has flanges l2, adapted to be arranged opposite theflanges 55 and forming therewith horizontal grooves l5. The numerals 75and 755 designate panes of glass, which are not assembled at the factoryin the unit and for this reason the detachable cap l@ is provided, sothat these panes of glass may be inserted in position after the unit hasbeen installed. Each pane of glass may be adjusted horizontally so thatits opposite edges will enter the grooves of the posts 2i, for a shortdistance, for providing overlapping joints. I contemplate lilling thebase rail 43 and the chair rail 49 -opening gli with Va sound ydeadeningmaterial, such as ground cork or mineral wool, bu-t the invention is notrestricted to the use of this filling material. The rails i8, 4'9, `50,5l, panel 6'5 and posts 2l are assembled at the factory and constitutethe panel unit B.

The numeral 'E6 designates a cornice mounted upon the posts 2! andwall-post. This cornice embodies a bottom il and sides 18. The bottom isbent or pressed upwardly to provide a longitudinal rib T9 and a groove8B, and this rib has openings 8l. Adjacent ends o-isections of thecornice may be brought into contacting relation, Figure 1l, and clampedtogether by straps 82, arranged within the cornice, and having outerhooked ends to engage in selected openings 8i, the inner ends of thesestraps being adjustably connected by a bolt 34 or the like. Transverseplates 85 are welded to the straps and engage the lower ends of splicingplates 8in, as more clearly shown in Figure ll. The cornice is mountedupon the upper ends of the posts 2l, while the cornice rail ti willenter the groove Sli vand the upper end of the end fill panel 34 willalso enter the groove 80, for affording'a light proof joint. The sides23 have notches 81 formed therein to receive extensions 83 of a lockplate t9, adapted to project upwardly through a selected opening 8l.This lock plate has an to receive a wedge 9i. In this manner, thecornice may be locked or clamped to one or both of the posts 2l in eachpost unit.

As explained, each post unit embodies a pair of oppositely arrangedposts 2i, which are mounted upon the anchor 21, the open sides of theseposts being arranged innermost and facing each other. I provide U-shapedresilient clips 92 for insertion between the pair of posts 2i in eachunit, after such posts have been set in position. Each U-shaped clip hasits material at its free ends bent outwardly and then inwardly uponitseli to form laterally projecting shoulders 93, having rounded edges93. A plate 94 is connected with the base of each clip by a bolt 95 andthis plate has its ends bent laterally for affording rounded shoulders96. In assembling the clips with the pair of posts 2l, the bolt 95 isloosened and the plate Srl turned at about a right angle with respect tothe clip, to assume a vertical position so that the base or small end oithe clip may be passed with the plate through the passage between theposts ill, and the plate si is then returned to the horizontal positionand the bolt 95 screwed up to clamp the plate 'in this horizontalposition. The shoulders 93 and the ends oi the plate dit have clampingengagement with the outer surfaces of the sides oi the posts 2l, wherebythe clip is securely held in place. Any suitable number of these clipsmay be used at spaced intervals along the posts 2|. The numeral 91designates post caps or cover plates, which are channelled and adaptedto be arranged upon opposite sides of the posts 2i and having iianges 9ito spring behind the edges 93 and 9S. -The numeral 93 designates plintblocks which are channelled and are applied to the lower portions of thepost caps or cover strips 91, and extend to the floor and thereby coverthe anchors and shims. The cover plate extends to the shim or shims orthe extensions 3! oi the anchor, while the plint blocks 98 continuedownwardly below these to engage the floor.

The next panel section 99, to the right, has

been modified for the reception of a door |00.

The modification includes the `elimination of the base rail, chair railand panels carried thereby, while a door j-amb :|01 is secured 4to thepost 2l and the transom rail. The partition may be built with or withoutthe door. The partition may embody any suitable number of sections B,with or without the section A. Sections A may be employed at both endsof the partition.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention herewith shown anddescribed is to be taken as preferred example of the same and thatvarious changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may beresorted to without departing from the spirit of my invention or thevscope oi the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention what I claim is:

l. In a metal partition, `a post unit comprising a pair of spaced posts,vertically spaced U- shaped clips having sides and a base arrangedwithin the space between the posts in the unit and extendingtransversely of the partition and provided near the ends of the sidesand near the base with elements having shoulders, said elements beingdisposed exteriorly of the posts, and cover strips disposed to extendacross the space between the posts and having flanges to engage with theshoulders so that the cover strips may be held in place.

2. In a metal partition, a post unit comprising a pair of spaced posts,U-shaped clips including sides and a base arranged Within the spacebetween the posts and extending transversely of the partition andprovided near the free ends of the sides with lateral extensions, aplate adjustably connected with the base of each clip and extendinglaterally beyond the same when held in one position, the lateralextensions and plate being adapted to be arranged exteriorly of theposts, and cover strips having flanges to engage with the lateralextensions and the plate.

3. In a metal partition, a substantially U- shaped clip having sides anda base, said sides being provided near their free ends with lateralextensions having shoulders, a plate arranged at the base of the clipand adapted to project beyond the sides of the same and having shouldersnear its free ends, and adjustable means for pivotally connecting theplate to the clip and to clamp the same to the clip in the selectedadjusted position the arrangement being such that the plate may beadjusted to substantially a vertical position and the clip passedbetween two spaced posts so that the sides of the clip will be arrangedin close relation to the posts and the plate subsequently moved to asubstantially horizontal position to project laterally beyond the saidsides.

4. In a metal partition, a pair of spaced hollow posts, verticallyspaced substantially horizontal rails arranged between the hollow posts,a tube extending through one of the rails and into the hollow posts,means for attaching the tube with the hollow posts, and elements passingthrough the remaining rails and attached to the hollow posts, and panelssecured to the rails.

5. In a metal partition, a pair of spaced hollow posts having openingsformed therein at substantially the same elevation, a substantiallyhorizontal hollow railV arranged between the posts, and a tube extendingthrough the hollow rail and the openings in the posts so that access maybe had to the open ends of the tube from the interior of the hollowposts, said tube having means for securing the same within the openingsin the posts.

6. In a metal partition, a pair of spaced hollow posts provided withlongitudinal grooves, a partition structure arranged between the postsand having parts at its vertical edges to enter the grooves, and a tubeextending through the partition structure and having its opposite openends passing to the interior of the hollow posts, said tube having meansto attach the same to the hollow posts.

7. In a metal partition, a pair of spaced hollow posts having closedsides provided with grooves, said closed sides also having openingsformed therein, the opposite sides of the hollow posts being open, ahollow rail to be mounted between the hollow posts and provided at itsends with tongues to enter the grooves, said rail being also provided atits ends with openings, and a tube extending longitudinally within therail and passing through the openings in the ends of the rail and theopenings in the posts, said tube having means to attach the same to theposts.

8. In a metal partition, a post, a hollow panel attached to the post andcomprising spaced sides, a wall post including an outer channel memberand an inner channel member which are attached together and have theirsides spaced, the sides of the hollow panel being adjustably mountedbetween the sides of the inner and outer channel members, the outerchannel member having an exterior groove, and a compressible striparranged within the groove to engage with the wall and forma light tightjoint.

9. In a metal partition, a post, a hollow panel attached to the post andcomprising spaced sides, a wall post including an outer channel memberand an inner channel member having their sides spaced, the sides of thehollow panel being adjustably mounted between the sides of the inner andouter channel members, the outer channel member being provided at itssides with forwardly tapering longitudinal ribs adapted to be forcedinto a plastered wall, said ribs forming therebetween an exteriorgroove, and a compressible strip arranged within the groove to form alight tight joint with the plastered wall. .10. In a metal partition,spaced post units, each post unit including spaced posts, one post ineach unit having notches formed therein near its upper end, panelstructures connected with the post units, and a cornice mounted upon thepost units, said cornice having a bottom provided with openings, lockingplates to be passed through selected openings in the bottom of thecorniceL and having extensions to engage within the notches of theposts, said locking plates having openings formed in their upperportions, and wedges for insertion within the last named openings, saidwedges being arranged above the bottom of the cornice.

11. In a metal partition, spaced post units, each post unit includingspaced posts, one post in each unit having notches formed therein nearits upper end, panel structures connected with the post units, a cornicemounted upon the post units, said cornice having a bottom provided withan upwardly pressed rib for affording a lower exterior groove, the upperends of the panel structures extending into the groove, the rib beingprovided with spaced openings, locking plates to be passed throughselected openings in the rib and having parts to engage within thenotches, the locking plates having openings formed in their upperportions, and elements arranged above the rib and inserted within theopenings of the locking plates.

12. In a metal partition, spaced posts, panel structures connected withthe posts, cornice scctions mounted upon the top of the posts, thecornice sections having bottoms provided with spaced openings, strapsmounted within the cornice sections and having outer hooked ends toengage within selected openings in the bottoms, and an adjustableelement connecting the inner ends of the straps.

13. In a metal partition, spaced posts, panel structures connected withthe posts, hollow cornice sections mounted upon the top of the posts,the cornice sections having bottoms provided with spaced openings,straps mounted within the cornice sections and having outer hooked endsto engage within selected openings, transverse plates attached to thestraps, splicing plates arranged within the hollow cornice sections andreceiving the transverse plates thereover, and adjustable meansconnecting the inner ends of the straps.

14. In a metal partition, a post unit comprising a pair of spaced posts,a plurality of resilient substantially U-shaped clips for arrangementwithin the space between the posts, cach clip comprising spaced sidesand a base, said sides being provided near their free endsi withoutwardly directed lateral extensions, a plate pivotally mounted uponthe base and extending laterally beyond the said sides when in thesubstantially horizontal position, said plate being adapted to beshifted to a substantially vertical position so that the clip may beinserted in place, and cover strips having parts to engage with thelateral extensions and the plate for holding the cover plates inposition.

15. In a metal partition, a pair of spaced hollow posts, a partitionstructure arranged between the posts and connected therewith andincluding a hollow part, and a xed electric wire guiding tubeconstituting a part of the completely assembled partition and extendingthrough the hollow part of the partition structure and having its openends in communication with the interior of the hollow posts whereby anelectric wire may be passed from one hollow post to the other throughthe tube.

16. In a metal partition, a pair of spaced hollow posts havingoppositely arranged openings, a partition structure arranged between thehollow posts and having a hollow part, an electric wire guiding tubeextending through the hollow part and having its ends arranged withinsaid openings and terminating adjacent to such openings, said tubeconstituting a part of the completely assembled partition, and meansassociated with the tube for connecting the hollow posts. 17. In a metalpartition, a pair of spaced hollow posts, a partition structure betweenthe posts and including a hollow part, and a tube rigidly connecting thehollow posts and disposed within the hollow part of the partitionstructure to receive and guide an electric wire from one post to theother through the partition structure.

18. In a metal partition, a pair of spaced hollow posts having passagesso that access may be had to the interior thereof, a partition structurebetween the posts and having a hollow part, and a tube Within the hollowpart of the partition structure and having communication with theinterior of the hollow posts and serving to receve and guide an electricwire from the interior of one hollow post to the interior of the otherhollow post through the partition structure, and nuts havingscrewthreaded engagement with the ends of the tubes for clampingengagement with the posts.

19. In a metal partition, a pair of spaced hollow posts havingoppositely arranged openings, a partition structure arranged between theposts and including a hollow part, a tube arranged within the hollowpart of the partition structure and having its ends extending throughthe openings in the posts, said tube serving to receive and guide anelectric wire passing from one post to the other, and adjustable meanscarried by the ends of the tube for clamping engagement with the posts,so that the tube positively connects the hollow posts.

20. In a metal partition, a post unit comprising a pair of hollow postelements, an anchor for the post unit provided with pairs of upstandingspaced ears, one pair of ears being inserted in one hollow post elementand the other pair of ears in the other hollow post element, and a baseshim of suiiicient size to extend across the anchor and project beyondthe opposite sides thereof, said base shim having pairs of notches forreceiving the pairs of ears and serving to connect the ears andreinforce them against lateral flexing, the base shim also serving tosupport the hollow post elements.

ERIC LARSON.

